SCIENTIFIC FACILITIES

RESEARCH REACTOR

Technique

The USGS TRIGA reactor is a
research facility that provides sensitive analytical capacity
for neutron activation and provides a source of radiation for
other research activities. The reactor design is similar to many
research, test, and training reactors that exist today at universities
throughout the United States. There are few research reactor
facilities in the United States that are equipped to handle the
large numbers of samples that are processed at the facility;
there are no other similar facilities within a 400 mile radius
of Denver. The facility allows the USGS to give the best possible
rock and mineral data using state-of-the-art techniques, as well
as providing the research tool needed to develop new and improved
analytical techniques. Research such as the study of radiation
effects, isotope production, and radiation sterilization is also
possible. Neutron flux can be provided over the range of 750
nv to 3e13nv.